Tokundian paramilitary forces following declaration of independence.
June 8th, 4055—The results of the private Tokundi independence referendum have been announced, with the separatists winning the vote by a margin of 62 percent in favor versus 38 percent against. Turnout was estimated at approximately 82 percent. Voting was heavily split among regional, and therefore ethnic lines. The northeastern region of Tokundi was predominately against separating from the rest of Cobura, with approximately 70 percent of the population voting to stay united with Cobura. The southwestern region carried the day, with upwards of 90 percent voting for Tokundi to become an independent nation. Almost all commentators attribute the division between the two regions to differences in ethnic makeup. Northeast Tokundi became a major site of settlement for Irkawan and Mallan refugees from Zardugal, the majority of whom adhere to Arkhe or Apostolic Hosianism. These religious groups are typically most supportive of the monarchy, and the influx of these groups has generally made this region of Tokundi more integrated with the rest of Cobura. The southern portion of Tokundi remains dominated by ethnic Tokundians, who by and large are strongly in favor of independence.
Upon receiving the results of the referendum, the Tokundian Autonomous Assembly passed a declaration of independence, and changed the name of the body to the Tokundian Provisional Parliament. The chamber also called for the organization of a constitutional convention, with the goal of establishing a formalized constitution and holding elections for a new government within the next six months. Other topics discussed during the session included setting a timetable for Cobura to withdraw its military forces from the region. Not all were in favor of recognizing the referendum, and those 37 members who voted against recognition walked out of the chamber in protest upon the declaration of independence. All were members of the local chapter of ruling Royal Coalition.
Later in the day, various paramilitary groups, including banned groups that had been organizing underground before the referendum, took to the streets across Tokundi and pledged their loyalty to the Tokundian State and the Provisional Parliament, all swearing an oath to “die before we are conquered, and die before we are dishonored”. Sources report a total strength of around 80,000 light infantry troops. While the Royal Government continues to refuse to recognize the referendum, with a military force raised, Tokundi seems to be heading toward de facto, if not de jure independence. Although the Tokundi paramilitary forces would be no match for the Coburan military, the government would likely face international condemnation for going to war with a group of their own citizens who democratically declared their independence. Coburan military bases in Tokundi have been placed on high alert, but forces have not yet been mobilized. The Office of the Grand Vizier stated “we believe we can resolve this crisis without resorting to violence, and in time we will come to a mutually agreeable solution and maintain a united Cobura.”
After Attack on Protesters, Cobura Orders Provisional Government to Withdraw from Eastern Tokundi
June 27th, 4055—The Tokundi declaration of independence has fanned the flames of ethnic tensions in the region, especially in the less homogenous east. Today, pro-Coburan protesters in Mučenjegrad, the largest city in Eastern Tokundi, were attacked by supporters of the provisional government, leaving 90 dead and hundreds injured. Accounts vary, with some pro-Coburan accounts stating that the protesters were victims of an unprovoked attack from a Tokundian paramilitary force. The Tokundian Provisional Government condemned the attack, but claimed that the attackers amounted to an angry mob, not an affiliated paramilitary force, and that paramilitary forces later stepped in to stop the violence. Following word of the attack, the Royal Government, which has established a checkpoint on the Tokundi border, ordered the Tokundian Provisional Government to withdraw its paramilitary forces from the eastern region of Tokundi immediately, or face a full invasion. Vizier of Defense Demissie Gabra stated:
“Firstly, my heart goes out to the victims of this terrible tragedy. We do not believe that the entity calling itself the Tokundi Provisional Government attacked the protesters, but we cannot allow attacks on our citizens to take place within our borders. The entity calling itself the provisional government has shown either a lack of willingness or lack of ability to prevent these attacks, and it is a tragic showcase of their incompetence and inability to truly govern. His Exalted Majesty and the Council of Viziers shall continue to work toward a peaceful resolution of this crisis, but the forces of the entity calling itself the provisional government must withdraw from the east, who even in the sham referendum voted to remain a part of Cobura. If not, we will have no other option than to use the full force of the Coburan military to reassert control over our territory.”
The Provisional Government appears to have agreed to the request, although they have not revoked their claim on the region. Reports indicate that provisional paramilitary forces in the east have agreed to stand down, and have retreated west. Coburan forces have moved in to retake Kuracgrad and the surrounding regions.
